A mysterious novel, "The Number 23," given to Walter Sparrow by his wife Agatha as a birthday gift, depicts a chilling murder mystery that seems to mirror Walter's life in dark and uncontrollable ways. The life of the… MoreA mysterious novel, "The Number 23," given to Walter Sparrow by his wife Agatha as a birthday gift, depicts a chilling murder mystery that seems to mirror Walter's life in dark and uncontrollable ways. The life of the book's main character, a brooding detective named Fingerling, is filled with moments that echo Walter's own history. As the world of the book starts to come alive, Walter becomes infected by the most frightening and evocative part of it: Fingerling's obsession with the hidden power of the number 23. This obsession permeates the book and begins to control Walter. He sees the number everywhere in his own life and becomes convinced that he is damned to commit the same horrific crime as Fingerling--murder. Nightmarish fantasies come to haunt Walter, ones that portend terrible fates for his wife as well as family friend Isaac French, placing him on a desperate quest to understand the mysteries of the book. If he can unlock the power behind the number 23, he may be able to change his future.

Consensus:
Jim Carrey has been sharp in a number of non-comedic roles, but this lurid, overheated, and self-serious potboiler is not one of them. The Number 23 is clumsy, unengaging, and mostly confusing.

Watching Carrey babble gibberish about the sinister nature of 23 in scene after hyperventilating scene isn't any more fun or enlightening than listening to street-corner lunatics discourse on similar topics.

This was def a different role for Carrey and i enjoyed it. i think this movie had a chance to be so much more.

Directors Cat

The Number 23 is by no means confusing and a remarkable concept. It took my interest and took me ona thrill ride. In reality after watching the film. I realised… MoreThe Number 23 is by no means confusing and a remarkable concept. It took my interest and took me ona thrill ride. In reality after watching the film. I realised it was about a number. Jim performed just as solidly and dramatically as he did in Eternal Sunshine and The Truman Show. A favorite of mine but not built for the mainstream audience like it was supposed to be.

Idrees Khan

Seems dumb and feels like they're trying too hard to make it something it's not.

Wahida K

Very weird Movie.

MisterYoda ?

three stars

Alex roy

The Number 23 is a great concept for a film ruined by a terrible script, bad acting and bad directing. I was very much looking forward in seeing this film,… MoreThe Number 23 is a great concept for a film ruined by a terrible script, bad acting and bad directing. I was very much looking forward in seeing this film, because the concept seemed appealing, and it is. However, the execution is so poorly done that the film falls apart halfway through. Joel Schumacher's directing is sloppy and he doesn't know what do to effectively build up the tension in his film, which if he had a clue, this film could have been great. The Number 23 is a sloppy horror thriller that falls short on every level. The twist ending sucked, the film was a waste of time, and Virginia Madsen overacted most of the time and most of the time she was so over the top, she was ridiculous. After finishing watching this film, I realized that The Number 23 was a joke; the film is a bad joke. The film tries to blend horror and suspense and thrills into one film, unfortunately the script is so poorly written that it fails to grab your attention and suck you into the story. Schumacher has made yet another flop and is along with Batman & Robin, one of the lowest points of his career as well as the second worst film of his career. The Number 23 is a missed opportunity and if some other director would have helmed the film, and rewritten the script and maybe recasted a few roles, then I think this film could have succeeded at being an effective thriller. But the film is a waste of time, and is a pretty stupid attempt at creating a good horror thriller. The Number 23 can be used as a perfect example as HOW NOT TO make a thriller. A terrible film that should be avoided.

Chris Weber

This film had good intentions and a good concept, but was lacking in execution being solid. Joel Schimacher is a hot-or-miss director (usually miss), and, while… MoreThis film had good intentions and a good concept, but was lacking in execution being solid. Joel Schimacher is a hot-or-miss director (usually miss), and, while this film isn't quite a hit, it's not bad enough ot be considered a miss. It's one of those films where if you want to watch a thriller that toys with you, and/or are really bored, this is an okay way to kill time. I really liked Jim Carrey's performance in this. It was nice to see him in a really dark and serious role/film. He did a nice job, despite earneing a Razzie nomination for his work here. Had ths material been in the hands of a better writer and/or director, it probably would have been a decent hit. As it stands, it's in a weird limbo like place between good and bad, with individual perception being the deciding factor to which side it leans towards more.

Conner Rainwater

While it is a terrible movie, it is pretty entertaining. Jim Carrey and Virginia Madsen did a very good job actually. It's really the obnoxious story that… MoreWhile it is a terrible movie, it is pretty entertaining. Jim Carrey and Virginia Madsen did a very good job actually. It's really the obnoxious story that makes it such a ridiculous film. Joel Schumacher's bizarre direction also is a factor, but it's just an extremely predictable premise.

Kevin M. Williams

What was meant was a dark, scary, paronoid wink at the audience becomes weak, predictable and hokey by the credits. Only for those days at the bottom of your… MoreWhat was meant was a dark, scary, paronoid wink at the audience becomes weak, predictable and hokey by the credits. Only for those days at the bottom of your vid rentals.

Film Crazy

I had low expectations for this movie, however it turned out to be an okay movie that i surprisingly quite enjoyed.
I liked the concept, and for once Jim… MoreI had low expectations for this movie, however it turned out to be an okay movie that i surprisingly quite enjoyed.
I liked the concept, and for once Jim Carrey didnt annoy me!
Normally i dont like Jim Carrey as he's normally playing his goofy annoying characters however in this movie he played completely the opposite, playing a dark character really suits him he actually was quite cute in this movie!
The only problem with this movie is that Rhona mitra had far to little of a part!
Its not a movie you should go out of your way to watch but if you catch it then its enjoyable enough!

Dead Angel

Boring................zzzzzzzz

Lady D'arbanville

Despite it?s depressing tone throughout, The Number 23 develops into an impressive conspiracy, mystery, psychological Thriller. I tend to find Jim Carrey?s… MoreDespite it?s depressing tone throughout, The Number 23 develops into an impressive conspiracy, mystery, psychological Thriller. I tend to find Jim Carrey?s serious roles more entertaining and find the films he chooses and the roles he plays very intense and thought provoking.
There was a hint of Graphic Novel style added to some of the film too, which worked pretty well.
This film, perhaps, isn?t for everyone, but if you like Thrillers, that get into your head and add an element of unpredictability, this film may be your kind of thing.